The goal came in the 78th minute after Johnston stole the ball for the Broncos (4-1-4). Despite giving up the goal, Washington State (6-3-1) goalkeeper Gurveen Clair registered 12 saves, tied for fifth on the Cougar all-time single-match list.

The Cougars were outshot 11-1 in the first half, but kept Santa Clara off the scoreboard with Clair making six saves.

In the second half, Washington State generated some chances and was credit with four shots, including Ali Fenter's header in the 54th minute and Nicole Setterlund shot in the 84th minute, both of which went wide right.

The Cougars open Pac-12 play at USC, Sunday with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m.